Work functioning measurement: tools for occupational mental health research

Abstract

Objective: To review the status of work functioning research in workers with common mental disorders (CMDs) and also the work functioning measurement instruments. We distinguish between productivity, work role limitations, quality of work output, and extra effort required to remain productive.

Methods: Two systematic literature studies; the first to identify articles that measured work functioning in workers with CMDs, and the second to identify work functioning measurement instruments.

Results: Work functioning is mostly studied in relation to clinical factors. Instruments with acceptable psychometric properties exist for measuring productivity and work role limitations.

Conclusions: Further exploration of work-related determinants of work functioning is needed to develop more work-focused interventions. Existing instruments have to be tested in workers with CMDs. New work functioning instruments are needed to integrate the quality of work output and the effort required to remain productive.